AimsThe
proposed project will be the first permanent demonstration of the
concentrated solar energy collection described at sphericalsolar.eu.Its
main purpose is to visibly demonstrate that the arrangement could
provide (surplus) heat to
other properties. The footprint is
relatively compact and configured for maximum winter gain. In
temperate latitudes (the UK) the method is likely to be most useful,
scaled up, for communal large-scale winter heating in rural and
semi-rural areas.Solarsphere
technical siteA
series of prototypes were constructed during 2008-2009 to prove the
theoretical work of 2006-2007. The project methodology was
subsequently patented as proof of newness. Detail on the theory and
prototypes can be found at sphericalsolar.eu (see links page).

Why
develop communal solutions?The
English
House Condition Surveys(DGLC)
show that older buildings (particularly listed) consume the highest
energy. These properties, predominant in rural areas, are difficult
to insulate and need heat to remain liveable. It is not always
possible to 'bolt-on' renewables to existing structures.

Proposed
demo spherical solar development:
Resilience

Electrical
power (eg renewable wind & wave or nuclear) could be used for
heating. However, this would mean oversizing the national energy
infrastructure to meet winter heat demand. In turn, this would
increase the costs of end consumers.The
proposed development demonstrates an alternative method, suited to
community projects, which optimises winter
heat collection. All other known solar projects set in temperate
climates collect the majority of their solar heat in the summer.Imports
of carbon fuels
into the UK will rise significantly after 2010: It is not yet clear
where this fuel will come from.